Alton theater producing ‘Shenandoah’

ALTON — Often, a play or a musical can shape the lives of those watching.

In 1975, Kevin Frakes took a trip to New York with Cliff Davenport to see a play, Shenandoah. The musical had a profound impact of Frakes’ life, an impact he is trying to pass on to area residents.

Shenandoah returns to the Alton Little Theater after a 17-year hiatus. Frakes’ close friend Davenport has passed away, and Frakes wants to honor his memory. Davenport was a director at Alton Little Theater and has been honored Director Emeritus.

“I wanted to bring (Shenandoah) back in his memory, in honor of Cliff,” Frakes said.” It was a show that really moved me and I don’t get moved by much — especially at that age.”

The show is set during the Civil War and tells a tale of a family through trials and tribulations. The show features death, torment and family values. Sunday was the fourth showing of the musical, in front of a sold-out crowd.

Frakes is the star of the musical and co-directs the performance along with Jean Heil. Musical numbers from the play have stuck with Frakes.

“It’s a very touching, moving (musical),” Frakes said. “It has some great music, some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard.”

The nature of the musical is sad, but Frakes said it features some light-hearted moments. The performance takes the audience through various emotions during the two-hour performance.

“I’ve had a few people come up to me and say, ‘You’ve made me laugh and you’ve made me cry,’” Frakes said.

The musical features 30 members, ranging from ages 12 to 70. The show provides the opportunity for some less-experienced members to sing and act in the background but still play an important role. Frakes, a self-proclaimed “in your face”-type director, said he relishes the opportunity to work with some of the less-experienced members of the cast.

“We push folks so when we open, they’re ready,” Frakes said. “Our expectation is that we do what we do and we do it very well.”

Co-director Heil is a strong believer that plays should have the same energy for each show. Admittedly, the energy from the actors tends to diminish as they perform in their third show in as many nights.

“The curtain opens, the music starts and (the actors) see the audience and the audience brings the energy out,” Heil said.

Heil believes those in attendance for the Sunday matinee should be treated to the same performance as the Thursday opener.

“The audience on opening night deserve the same performance as the last night,” Heil said.

The Alton Little Theater is preparing for its 82nd season and has already scheduled plays through next spring. More information can be found on their website, www.altonlittletheater.org.